Renters’ Guide to Smyrna

Smyrna, Georgia is considered part of the Atlanta Metro area, and is just 15 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. The 20-minute drive to the city is what attracts many residents to Smyrna, which is nearly 8 times smaller than Atlanta. The short drive is one of the reasons why Niche.com designated Smyrna No. 12 on its list of “2017 Best Suburbs to Live in Atlanta Metro.” It’s also safer than the big city; Safewise named it 34th on its 2017 list of “The 50 Safest Cities in Georgia.”

Another factor that attracts people to Smyrna is its weather. January temperatures average a mild (and snow-free) 52˚F. Temperatures in the summer months of June through August are much warmer, with an average of 89˚F. The sun shines often, too; most years see about 221 sunny days.

Smyrna, GA Demographics

Total Population81,368

Female38,644

Male42,724

Median Age35

Cost of Living in Smyrna, Ga

The cost of living in Smyrna, Ga is 6% higher than the cost for the rest of the country, and 13% more than the average in the state. As such, a 3-course meal for two at a mid-priced restaurant will cost around $50, and an after-dinner Cappuccino will set you back around $3.75. However, basic utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment in Smyrna are slightly lower than the US average, at around $143 per month. Livability.com ranked Smyrna 4th on its “6 Most Affordable Cities in Georgia” list.

Travel throughout Smyrna is provided by the CobbLinc bus line. Fares are $2.50 each way, and 10-ride and 31-day passes are also available for $18 and $72, respectively. For rides into and around Atlanta, the MARTA (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is the smart way to travel. Adult fares are $2.50, and include four transfers within 3 hours. Children smaller than 46 inches, seniors, disabled persons, and Medicare recipients can ride for free. Various daylong and monthly passes are available at discounted rates, as well.

Living in Smyrna, Ga

The proximity to a big city like Atlanta has its advantages, but there are some complaints locals have about living in Smyrna, such as the drive. Although it’s not as bad of a commute as other smaller cities in the metro area, the drive from Smyrna to Atlanta is not always easy. Smyrna, Ga is a growing city, which saw a population increase of 28 percent in the 10 years between 2000-2010. That growth contributed to CreditDonkey.com calling it the 4th “Best City for Young Adults in Georgia”.

Things to do in Smyrna

The centerpiece of things to do in Smyrna is in its downtown. The Village Green is a commons area which features Smyrna’s community center and arboretum. The Smyrna Public Library—the oldest city-operated library in Georgia—is also found on the Vilage Green. It also features retail, housing, and offices. The Market Village is a retail and residential complex that also has restaurants, which contribute to the town’s reputation as a culinary destination. It’s also where the annual Taste of Smyrna takes place every fall, with 30 local restaurants offering samples of their food, including favorites like Mezza Luna Pasta and Seafood, Scalini’s Italian Restaurant, Porch Light Latin Kitchen, and Blue Moon Pizza.

A fun thing to do with kids in Smyrna, Ga is a trip to Sparkles Family Fun Center of Smyrna, a skating rink and arcade. For outdoor fun in Smyrna, visit one of the city’s parks—totaling 304 acres, you’ll have plenty to choose from. Jonquil Park is home to ball fields and sand volleyball courts, and Tolleson Pool features a spray park for kids younger than 8. The 20th Century Veterans Memorial downtown features a memorial and a playground. The Silver Comet Trail is a 61.5-mile paved trail that extends to the Alabama state line. Its surface is perfect for walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and wheelchairs.

Two of the top attractions in Smyrna are the Spring and Fall Jonquil festivals. The celebration of the flowers that cover the city feature arts and crafts, food booths, entertainment, and plenty of kids’ activities. A short trip into Atlanta is a great thing to do for professional sports fans—the Falcons, Hawks and Braves all play there.

Employment and Economy

Job growth in Smyrna is healthy, and is projected to continue to grow. Top employers in Smyrna Ga include computer company IBM, Atlanta Bread Co., and Eaton Corporation. Since it’s so close to Atlanta, Smyrna residents commute to jobs for major national and international companies like UPS, Home Depot, Delta Airlines, and Coca-Cola, to name a few.

Smyrna, GA Households

Total Number of Households35,602

Family19,776

Non-family15,826

Children10,184

No Children25,418

Average People Per Household2.33

Median Household Income$62,584

Median Housing Costs Per Month$1,111

Education in Smyrna

Public schools in Smyrna are part of the Cobb County School District. Niche.com named Brown Elementary School in Smyrna No. 11 on its list of “The 2017 Best Public Elementary Schools,” based on test scores and parent and student reviews. There are no colleges or universities in Smyrna, but nearby Atlanta is home to top schools like the Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College, and Spelman College, among others.

Smyrna, GA Education Statistics

No High School4%

Some High School23%

Some College20%

Associate Degree5%

Bachelor Degree30%

Graduate Degree18%

Tips for Renting in Smyrna

Georgia landlords are required to make necessary repairs in a timely manner. Renters in Smyrna are legally within their rights to make repairs if a landlord does not follow through. And most importantly, the landlord is responsible for reimbursing you for those repairs—or deducting the cost from your rent, as long as you can provide the receipts.

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